Is ARDC a Free Clinic? No. A Free Clinic treats only uninsured, low-income patients. ARDC is a nonprofit dental safety net clinic. ARDC accepts insurance and patients of all income levels. We offer discounts to families with lower household incomes.
Why does ARDC charge for their services? There are several reasons. First, it takes a great deal of money to staff the clinic forty hours a week; more money than a nonprofit dental safety net clinics can raise by donations. The equipment needed to provide dental care is also much more extensive, and expensive, than at a Free Clinic. Our dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists are employees and receive a salary and benefits. Second, because we accept Medicaid insurance, we are required by law to charge for services received by patients who do not have Medicaid.
What does it cost? If you have Medicaid/Smiles For Children or Delta Dental insurance, you may have no direct costs for a covered procedure. If you don’t have insurance, then your cost will be determined by your income level. If your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, then you will qualify for a deeply discounted fee schedule, and your costs will be significantly lower than at a commercial dentist. If your household income is 200% of the federal poverty level or greater, then you can expect to pay Medicaid rate for the same procedure. If you do not live in Staunton, Waynesboro, or Augusta County and would like to become a patient at the clinic, then you will pay Medicaid rate for all treatment rendered.
How can I find out if I qualify? ARDC can help you with that! Please call ARDC and schedule an eligibility appointment. All eligibility appointments will be scheduled on Mondays from 8am – 12pm and Fridays from 8am – 1pm. You need to bring your physician (doctor) referral, proof of household income for the past four weeks, valid VA driver’s license/ID, list of all medications and our receptionist can help you quickly figure out whether you qualify.
When are you open? Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm
How long will I have to wait to get an appointment? Not very long at all, often we can appoint you within just a few days. The is all dependent upon how busy we are at that time.
Does ARDC treat very young children? You bet we do! We start treating patient’s as soon as their first tooth comes in.
Does ARDC offer any kind of sedation? Yes, all eight of our dental operatories are equipped with nitrous units (aka happy gas). Our dentists can tell you whether nitrous is the right option for you. We also offer general anesthesia for those children who need extensive dental treatment.